Transportation · Humboldt County
Caltrans District 1 announced that the posted speed limit on U.S. 101 between Eureka and Arcata will increase from 50 mph back to 60 mph, ending a reduction in place since May 2002. The change follows completion of major safety projects along the corridor, including the Brad Mettam Memorial Interchange (Indianola Undercrossing), a northbound traffic signal at Airport Road, cable median barrier installation, bridge and railing replacements at Jacoby Creek and Gannon Slough, and closures of several median crossings. Crews will install new speed limit signs beginning Monday, November 2, with limited single-lane closures expected; the first northbound sign is beyond the Eureka Slough Bridge and the first southbound sign is before the Gannon Slough Bridge. A temporary speed reduction approaching the southbound Eureka Slough Bridge remains in effect due to ongoing emergency bridge work. Caltrans plans an engineering and traffic survey by the end of 2027 that could result in further changes.
Community News
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will open the recreational Dungeness crab season on Nov. 7, 2026, but restricts crab traps from the California/Oregon border to Point Conception until at least Jan. 1, 2027, due to humpback whale entanglements. Recreational fishing is additionally delayed in state waters from Cape Mendocino (40°10' N) to Ten Mile State Marine Reserve (39°33.3' N) in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino counties because of elevated domoic acid levels, a neurotoxin that can cause nausea, seizures, and memory loss. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery is also postponed from the California/Oregon border to Point Conception until at least Jan. 1, 2027. Hoop nets and crab snares remain permitted but must be serviced every two hours. CDFW anticipates a mid-December risk assessment to determine whether restrictions can be lifted around the new year.
Public Safety
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued a beach hazards statement valid from Sunday at 6 p.m. until Monday at 10 p.m. The alert covers Coastal Del Norte, Northern Coastal Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt, and Coastal Mendocino counties. Officials warn of an increased threat of sneaker waves that can unexpectedly sweep people into the sea or crush them with large objects. Residents are advised to avoid rocks, jetties, and steep beaches, and to stay far back from the water.
Public Safety · Eureka, CA
The Eureka Police Department reported 147 DUI arrests from January 1 through September 30, 2026, including 39 involving DUI-related collisions. Beginning October 30, 2026, EPD launched its Sober Streets Eureka campaign, a public education and targeted enforcement effort running through January 2, 2027, funded by the Office of Traffic Safety and the California Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. During the comparable prior holiday period (October 30, 2025–January 2, 2026), EPD made 45 DUI arrests with eight collision-related incidents. The department also noted that survey findings from its Together, We Drive Change in Eureka community engagement effort will be shared with residents next month.
Housing & Development · Rio Dell, CA
Development company Oppidan has reached out to several property owners at the Humboldt-Rio Dell Business Park, an industrial area north of Rio Dell near the Eel River, about constructing a data center facility. Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp confirmed the inquiry but said details remain scant regarding the project's size, power needs, and water consumption. At a city council meeting last week, Mayor Debra Garnes and Councilmember Amanda Carter raised concerns about water supply and temporary construction jobs, while Councilmember Robert Orr urged engagement with the developer. The city council will determine whether to classify any application under existing zoning codes or create a new category for data centers.
